In the final days of their senior year at Coal City High School, nine student athletes have announced their intent to participate in collegiate athletics. The announcements came at the school’s Signing Day on April 29.
Ahead of the signings, Coaler Athletic Director Dan Hutchings spoke to the students about what lies ahead as a collegiate athlete and the responsibility that comes with that, making note that the top priority is their academics.
As they move on to college, two of the nine students will remain teammates as Makayla Henline and Jadyn Shaw will both be playing softball for coaches Darin Monroe and Miranda Southall at Rock Valley College in Rockford. Henline was joined on signing day by her parents Stefanie and Lonnie Henline and Shaw was accompanied by her parents Kerrie and Joel Shaw.
Paige Walker, the daughter of Amy and Robbie Walker, has been selected to continue her education and playing career as a member of the Trojan volleyball team at Triton College in River Grove. Paige was joined by her parents on Signing Day.
Kevin McConnell, the son of Kelly and Pete McConnell, has been a part of the high school’s trapshooting team and he will continue to pursue the sport as a student athlete at Simpson College in Indianola, IA. Kevin’s mom joined him on Signing Day.
Cade Baldauf, the son of Cara Baldauf and Brian Baldauf, will continue playing baseball as a member of the Aurora University Spartans. His parents joined him as he officially signed on to the team.
Tanner Wallace is heading to Oglesby as he has signed on to be part of the Illinois Valley Community College Eagles baseball team. Joining Tanner on Signing Day was his mom, Ashley Doglio.
Tanner Phillips, the son of Angie and Matt Phillips, will make the move from being a Coaler to a Viking next fall as he will join the Augustana College football team. Tanner was accompanied by his parents on Signing Day.
Jim Feeney will continue to suit up in the green and gold as he makes the move north to St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI where he has been selected to continue his education and play football for the Green Knights. Jim was joined by his parents Peggy and Kevin Feeney on Signing Day.
Kilen Davidson, the daughter of Amanda and Dale Davidson, is joining the Redline Express Dance Team at Illinois State University. As a member of the dance team, she will perform at all Illinois State home football, basketball and volleyball games, as well as participate in game day events with the university’s marching band. Kilen was joined by her parents on Signing Day.